Bay Area Metro Center 375 Beale Street, Suite 700 , CA 94105

Meeting Agenda Trail Steering Committee

Committee members:

John Woodbury, Chair Julie Bondurant, Co-Chair

Brenda Buxton, Leo Dubose, Ethan Lavine, Kelly Malinowski, Steve McAdam, Juan Raigoza

Friday, May 31, 2019 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM CR-7102 Tamalpais

The Committee may act on any item on this agenda

1. Call to Order / Confirm Quorum A quorum of this committee is three (3) board members. 2. Adoption of Agenda and Approval of Minutes

3. Announcements by Committee Members and Staff

4. Scenic Loop Trail Overview Information: A multi-jurisdictional partnership of city representatives, land trusts, park districts and trail organizations has formed to further advance the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail, part of the Bay, Ridge and Delta Trail systems. Learn about what they have accomplished so far and future plans for the network. Presenters: Huo, Gaffney, Westbrook

5. Bay Trail – Coastal Conservancy Block Grant #5 Overview Information: Overview of the ten projects awarded so far under Block Grant #5 as context for Committee consideration of a new and final grant award. Presenter: Thompson

6. Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail Feasibility Study Action: Consideration of a $133,000 grant request from the County of Contra Costa to conduct a feasibility study for three Bay Trail gaps along the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail between Crockett and Martinez. Presenter: Huo

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Bay Area Metro Center 375 Beale Street, Suite 700 San Francisco, CA 94105

7. Adjournment / Next Meeting The next meeting of the Bay Trail Steering Committee will be Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bay Area Metro Center, 375 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA.

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San Francisco Bay Trail Steering Committee Meeting Minutes Bay Area Metro Center January 10, 2019

Call to Order

Meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.

Attendance

Steering Committee Bay Trail/MTC Staff John Woodbury, Chair Lee Huo Brenda Buxton (phone) Maureen Gaffney Leo DuBose Laura Thompson Ethan Lavine Ben Botkin Steve McAdam Juan Raigoza

Board Corinne DeBra (phone)

ACTION: Adoption of the 01/10/19 agenda and the 11/16/18 minutes: McAdam moved, Raigoza seconded.

Yes Votes: John Woodbury Ethan Lavine Brenda Buxton Steve McAdam Leo DuBose Juan Raigoza

No Votes: None Abstentions: None

Announcements by Committee Members and Staff

-Buxton Announced that Coastal Conservancy staff will bring a recommended Prop. 68 grant for the Ridge Trail to the Board this year and plans to bring grant recommendations for the Bay Trail and Water Trail in August.

-Thompson Informed the Committee that Block Grant #4 from the Coastal Conservancy was completed in 2018, referring to the summary of accomplishments in the packet. The Bay Trail nonprofit’s $5,000 sponsorship of NBC Bay Area’s Open Road with Doug McConnell has been matched by the Bay Area Toll Authority’s $20,000 sponsorship that will allow for an entire episode dedicated to the Bay Trail during the 30th anniversary year. The Priority Conservation Area (PCA) grant program for the 5 southern counties was launched on January 7. This partnership between MTC and the Coastal Conservancy

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includes up to $10 million for projects in PCAs that improve and enhance natural landscapes, agricultural areas, urban greening and regional recreation. Letter of interest are due on February 25.

-Huo Following up on the operational issues discussed at the last Steering Committee meeting, announced that he attended a meeting in Oakland about homeless encampments at Union Point Park, also attended by businesses representatives, elected officials and city officials. The Bay Trail, Coastal Conservancy and BCDC are crafting a letter to the City of Oakland communicating concerns and reminding them of funding partnerships that created the public park and trail. The Bay Trail 30th anniversary plans are underway, meetings with the consultant have started with a final implementation plan expected by the end of January. We will have more information at the next meeting with events starting in March.

-Botkin Announced that the Water Trail now has 45 designated sites, and new design guidelines were just released.

The Steering Committee watched the video created by the Bay Area Toll Authority about plans for a bicycle/pedestrian pathway on the West Span of the Bay Bridge.

2019 Bay Trail Strategic Plan

Thompson provided a background of the Bay Trail strategic plan developed in 2013, highlighting the board subcommittee that was formed to develop objectives through a scenario based planning process. She described staffs’ review and recommended changes to the plan as an update rather than starting from scratch on the plan. Since the Integrated Regional Planning Program (IRPP) Strategic Plan process is underway, it is recommended that the Bay Trail Strategic Plan be developed concurrently.

She reviewed the primary staff recommendations for each objective, recording Committee feedback:

Objective 3 The Committee discussed the pros and cons of revisiting more research for the Wildlife & Public Access Study to address the balance of wildlife and public access but concluded that decisions about wildlife impacts are made on a case-by-case basis.

The recent Sonoma County and Santa Clara County economic benefits reports are worth looking at before we start this study.

Objective 5 The question was asked whether there are examples from other regions of dedicated funds for regional trails. During the next state park bond formation, suggest that we work to get specific language directing funds to the Bay Trail.

The need to promote the 12 existing audio tours was discussed. There will be opportunities to promote the tours through the 30th anniversary and coordination with our partners to help with outreach. Facebook ads would be one effective way to reach a wider audience. It would benefit the program to connect with partner websites to promote the tours.

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Process The Committee agreed to have staff move forward with these recommended changes to the plan and bring to the full board as a draft at their spring meeting giving everyone a chance to weigh in.

The Embarcadero Redesign

Casey Hildreth provided an overview of the design alternatives for the Embarcadero Enhancement Project. The proposed layout considers a layout with slow, medium and fast speeds separated from each other at 5 – 15 – 25 mph. Near term safety improvements are expected by the end of 2019 and initial construction would begin by 2022. A planning concept design report will be released in early 2019. $12M has been programmed for construction but not secured with an expected $50-80 million total cost.

Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

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San Francisco Bay Trail Project Bay Area Metro Center 375 Beale Street, Suite 700 San Francisco, CA 94105

TO: Bay Trail Steering Committee DATE: May 23, 2019

FR: Laura Thompson

RE: Bay Trail – Coastal Conservancy Block Grant #5 Update

Since 1999, the ABAG/San Francisco Bay Trail Project and the State Coastal Conservancy have enjoyed a successful funding partnership in the form of several block grants awarding state park bond funds (Prop. 12, Prop. 40, and Prop. 84) to planning, design and construction projects along the Bay Trail. Over $20 million have been awarded over the lifetime of this partnership.

The last remaining active grant is Block Grant #5 with $1 million awarded in May 2014. In December 2018 when the $6 million Block Grant #4 was closed out, the interest that had accrued on that grant was added to Block Grant #5, bringing its total to $1,021,992.37. Eight of the ten awarded projects are complete.

This memo and the attached project spreadsheets provide a summary of accomplishments to date under Block Grant #5 as context for the next item on the agenda where the Committee will consider recommending a final grant award under this block grant.

BLOCK GRANT #5 AWARDED PROJECTS

Gilman Street to Buchanan Street

Construction of Class I trail along shoreline and bluff edge of Fields in Albany and Buchanan Street Extension, currently underway. ($100,000)

Goodrick Avenue Bay Trail Construction Construction of a 0.3-mile pathway adjacent to Goodrick Avenue in Richmond, linking existing trail along the Richmond Parkway with Dotson Family Marsh, currently underway. ($130,000)

Dotson Family Marsh Bay Trail Construction Construction of 1.75 miles of trail adjacent to restored wetlands in North Richmond between the Richmond Parkway and Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. ($50,000)

Dotson Family Marsh

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Pinole Shores to Bayfront Park Construction of a trail bridge over the Union Pacific railroad tracks connecting the Pinole Shores Bay Trail segment with Pinole Bayfront Park closing a 0.5-mile gap. ($50,000)

Lone Tree Point Studies

Planning studies for segment between Victoria-by-the-Bay and Lone Tree Point along the Carquinez Strait in Contra Pinole Shores to Bayfront Park Costa County. ($20,000)

Vallejo Bluff Trail Design & Engineering Preparation of plans, specifications and engineering documents for gap in Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail. ($124,999)

Stanly Lane Extension to Napa Design Planning and design of spur segment to . ($100,000)

Sears Point Restoration Trail Construction Construction of levee trail along edge of Sears Point Restoration. ($199,280)

Sears Point Trail Connection Study Preparation of plans, specifications and engineering documents for new trail and trailhead @ Hwy 37/121, including a railroad crossing. ($87,982) Sears Point Restoration

Vista Point Bay Trail

Vista Point Trail soils testing from parking area to Fort Baker. ($26,344)

If approved, the grant application under consideration at the May 31 meeting would spend down all but $387.23 of Block Grant #5.

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Block Grant #5 Summary Tracking Sheet

1,021,992.37 Project Status

100,000.00 Gilman Street to Buchanan Street Construction In process 130,000.00 Goodrick Avenue Bay Trail Construction In process 50,000.00 Dotson Family Marsh Trail Construction Complete 50,000.00 Pinole Shores to Bayfront Park Construction Complete 20,000.00 Lone Tree Point Planning Studies Complete 133,000.00 Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail Under consideration 124,999.39 Vallejo Bluff Trail Design & Engineering Complete 100,000.00 Stanly Lane Extension to Napa River Design Complete 199,280.00 Sears Point Restoration Trail Construction Complete 87,982.00 Sears Point Trail Connection Study Complete 26,343.75 Vista Point Bay Trail Studies Complete

1,021,605.14 Total allocated/spent 387.23 Total remaining Potential/Awarded Projects -- Coastal Conservancy Block Grant #5 As of 5/23/2019 Total Trail Grant Project Grantee Project Title Description City County Project Type Length Award Status Cost (miles)

Potential + Awarded Grant Applications

Construction of Class I trail along Gilman Street to shoreline and bluff edge of 1 Regional Park Albany $100,000 $3,000,000 C 1.02 In process Buchanan Street Golden Gate Fields and District Buchanan Street Extension

Construction of a pathway Goodrick Avenue adjacent to Goodrick Avenue, City of Contra 2 Bay Trail linking existing trail along the Richmond $130,000 $1,069,000 C 0.30 In process Richmond Costa Construction Richmond Parkway with Dotson Family Marsh

Construction of trail adjacent to East Bay Dotson Family restored wetlands between Contra 3 Regional Park Richmond $50,000 $10,000,000 C 1.75 Complete Marsh Richmond Parkway and Point Costa District Pinole Regional Shoreline. Construction of trail bridge over East Bay the Union Pacific railroad tracks Pinole Shores to Contra 4 Regional Park connecting the Pinole Shores Pinole $50,000 $7,100,000 C 0.50 Complete Bayfront Park Costa District Bay Trail segment with Bayfront Park

East Bay Planning studies for segment Contra Contra 5 Regional Park Lone Tree Point between Victoria-by-the-Bay Costa $20,000 $70,000 P 0.75 Complete Costa District and Lone Tree Point County

Carquinez Strait Feasibility study for three Bay Contra Contra Costa Contra New 6 Scenic Loop Trail Trail gaps between Crockett Costa $133,000 $160,900 P 8.8 County Costa Application Feasibility Study and Martinez County

Preparation of plans, Vallejo Bluff Trail specifications and engineering 7 City of Vallejo Design & Vallejo Solano $124,999 $275,000 P 1.50 Complete documents for gap in Carquinez Engineering Strait Scenic Loop Trail Potential/Awarded Projects -- Coastal Conservancy Block Grant #5 As of 5/23/2019 Total Trail Grant Project Grantee Project Title Description City County Project Type Length Award Status Cost (miles)

Potential + Awarded Grant Applications Stanly Lane Planning and design of spur Napa 8 City of Napa Extension to Napa Napa $100,000 $125,000 P 0.6 Complete segment to Napa River County River Sears Point Sonoma Land Construction of levee trail along Sonoma 9 Restoration Trail Sonoma $199,280 $7,236,000 C 1.40 Complete Trust edge of Sears Point Restoration County Construction Preparation of plans, Sonoma County specifications and engineering Sears Point Trail Sonoma 10 Parks documents for new trail and Sonoma $87,982 $125,000 P 0.80 Complete Connection Study County Department trailhead @ Hwy 37/121, including a railroad crossing

Golden Gate Vista Point Bay Vista Point Trail soils testing from 11 National Parks Sausalito Marin $26,344 $375,000 P 0.33 Complete Trail parking area to Fort Baker Conservancy

Totals $1,021,605 $29,535,900 17.75

*Shaded project will be considered at May 31, 2019 Steering Committee meeting 4.97 miles construction / 12.78 miles planning Completion date is December 31, 2020

San Francisco Bay Trail Project Bay Area Metro Center 375 Beale Street, Suite 700 San Francisco, CA 94105

TO: Bay Trail Steering Committee DATE: May 23, 2019 FR: Lee Huo RE: Consideration of a $133,000 Grant Request from Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development to Conduct a Feasibility Study for Three Bay Trail Gaps Totally Approximately 8.8 Miles of Bay Trail Spine in Contra Costa County Between Crockett and Martinez

Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development (County) is requesting $133,000 to conduct a fatal flaw feasibility study for three Bay Trail gaps between the and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge that totals approximately 8.8-miles of the Bay Trail spine in Contra Costa County between Crockett and Martinez. The three gaps include 1) Mococo (0.14 miles), 2) Downtown Martinez to eastern George Miller Trail (3.7 miles), and 3) western George Miller Trail to Carquinez Bridge (5.0 miles).

The proposed project will begin the analysis of how to complete these three Bay Trail gaps which all involve a difficult combination of constraints including limited right-of-way, conflicts with existing uses, steep grades, and challenging terrain. The proposed project will evaluate the feasibility of completing these Bay Trail gaps. If all three gaps are determined to be feasible, the study will conduct a more in- depth analysis of one or two of the gaps. If one or more of the gaps are determined to have fatal flaws, the study will identify alternative alignments.

The three Bay Trail gaps in the study are part of the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail (CSSLT) planning effort that Bay Trail staff has been participating in with a multitude of partner organizations to look at highlighting and completing the Bay Trail, Ridge Trail, and Delta Trail between the Carquinez Bridge and Benicia-Martinez Bridge. The active partners include the , Contra Costa County, City of Benicia, Delta Protection Commission, and National Park Service. In addition, there are many interested partners that have indicated their support for CSSLT including the City of Martinez and the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).

When constructed, these three Bay Trail gap closures will complete the trail between Crockett and Martinez and be a part of the CSSLT connecting the communities along that entire route and the Carquinez Bridge with the Benicia-Martinez Bridge. Along with the County’s San Pablo Complete Streets Project between Rodeo and Crockett and EBRPD’s Lone Tree Point Project, these three projects will close the Bay Trail from Hercules to the CSSLT alignment. Ultimately, the completed CSSLT system will connect a multitude of communities in Contra Costa and Solano counties and provide access to recreational opportunities, work centers, regional transit hubs, and commercial areas.

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The total project cost is estimated to be $160,900. The County will be providing $27,900 of in-kind services through staff time to manage the project which represents 17% of the total project cost. The County has indicated that the project is exempt from CEQA under section 15306 of the CEQA Guidelines. Work is expected to begin in August 2019 and completed by December 31, 2020.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of the grant request in the amount of $133,000. The project ranked extremely high in scoring at 92 points. This study is critical in moving forward the planning efforts to identify and further study the Bay Trail alignment that will be feasible to move forward to construction in an area that has very difficult and complex constraints due to existing conditions. In concert with the CSSLT efforts and several other Bay Trail related projects currently in progress, the closure of these three gaps in Contra Costa County will have a high potential to serve as an alternative transportation corridor and will connect two bridges, two counties, and a multitude of communities, business districts, parks, and transit hubs. In addition, this project has a high-level of partnership and support through the CSSLT planning process and other Bay Trail planning efforts.

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Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail Contra Costa County Feasibility Study Project

Mococo

Martinez to George Miller Trail George Miller Trail to Carquinez Bridge

Bay Trail Planning Grant Application Score Sheet

Applicant: Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development (County) Project Title Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail - Contra Costa County Bay Trail Feasibility Study Project Project Description This project involves conducting a fatal flaw feasibility study for three Bay Trail gaps between the Carquinez Bridge and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge involving a total of approximately 8.8 miles of Bay Trail spine in Contra Costa County between Crockett and Martinez. The project will also include either a more detailed analysis of 1-2 of the segments or identify potential alternate alignments depending on the results of the fatal flaw analysis. Funding Request $133,000 Total Project Cost $160,900

I. RATIONALE FOR PLANNING STUDY rationale for planning study The proposed project will begin the analysis (0 to 30 points) of how to complete the Bay Trail between low = 0 to 10 Crockett and Martinez in Contra Costa medium = 11 to 20 County. The three Bay Trail gaps all involve high = 21 to 30 a difficult combination of constraints including limited right-of-way, conflicts with existing uses, steep grades, and difficult terrain. The proposed project will evaluate the feasibility of completing these Bay Trail gaps and will identify alternative alignments if necessary. The study will move forward several major gaps in the Bay Trail that will be part of the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail (CSSLT). The ability to complete these three gaps will connect the existing Bay Trail on the Carquinez Bridge and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge as well as the Bay Trail segment currently being studied from Crockett to Rodeo by Contra Costa County and the Lone Tree Point Bay Trail segment being constructed by East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). 30 Points Possible 30

II. CRITICAL BAY TRAIL LINK Score length of segment (3 or 5 points) Approximately 8.8 miles 5 less than ½ mile = 3 ½ mile or greater = 5 gap closure (5 to 15 points) Yes. If the gaps in the project move to 15 no closure = 5 construction, they would ultimately close extension of existing trail = 10 three gaps in the Bay Trail and complete full closure = 15 the trail between Crockett and Martinez. Bay Trail Planning Grant Application Score Sheet

spine, spur or connector (4 to 10 points) Spine 10 connector = 4 spur = 7 spine = 10 30 Points Possible 30

III. PARTNERSHIP / LEVERAGE collaboration between multiple This project is the culmination of the parties Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail planning 5 (0 to 5 points) efforts which involves an active partnership between the Bay Trail Project, Bay Area Ridge Trail, Delta Protection Commission, City of Benicia, the National Park Service, and Contra Costa County. There are also several interested partners that have indicated their support for the CSSLT efforts. matching or in-kind services The County estimates that the total project (0 to 5 points) cost will be $160,900 and has indicated 2 that it will provide $27,900 of in-kind contributions from staff time. The in-kind contributions from the County represents 17% of the total project cost. 10 Points Possible 7 IV. REGIONAL NEED / CONNECTIONS connects to existing trails and When constructed, these three Bay Trail destinations gap closures will complete the trail between 5 (0 to 5 points) Crockett and Martinez and be a part of the CSSLT connecting the communities along that entire route and the Carquinez Bridge with the Benicia-Martinez Bridge. Along with the County’s San Pablo Complete Streets Project between Rodeo and Crockett and EBRPD’s Lone Tree Point Project, these three projects will close the Bay Trail from Hercules to the CSSLT alignment. potential to serve as alternative The CSSLT has a high potential of serving 5 transportation route as an alternative transportation route. (0 to 5 points) Completing these three Bay Trail gaps will fulfill that potential and work with the Lone Tree Point Bay Trail Project and the County’s San Pablo Avenue Complete Streets Project to connect a multitude of communities to the existing Amtrak Station in Martinez as well as the proposed Bay Trail Planning Grant Application Score Sheet

Hercules Intermodal Station. facilitation of community access Closing these three gaps will ultimately help 5 and connections create a continuous Bay Trail between (0 to 5 points) Crockett and Martinez and fulfil the vision of the CSSLT while also connecting to Hercules in conjunction with two other Bay Trail projects currently in process. The completed Bay Trail will work to connect a multitude of communities in Contra Costa and Solano counties and provide access to recreational opportunities, work centers, regional transit hubs, and commercial areas. support in local plans Contra Costa General Plan Amendment, 5 (0 to 5 points) Contra Costa County-wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, MTC’s Regional Bicycle Plan, EBRPD 2013 Master Plan, Bay Trail Plan economically-disadvantaged The project crosses several communities 0 community including the City of Martinez and the (0 to 5 points) unincorporated areas of Crockett and Port 9% pop. or less below poverty level Costa. U.S. census estimates Martinez as = 0; 10% pop. or greater below having 6% of the population living below poverty level = 5 the poverty level. There is no information for Crockett or Port Costa. 25 Points Possible 20 V. COMMUNITY SUPPORT letters of support from partners Letters of support were not requested since and local advocates this application was developed with the 5 (0 to 5 points) support of the CSSLT planning team including the Bay Area Ridge Trail, Delta Protection Commission, City of Benicia, and NPS. 5 Points Possible 5

Total Score 100 Points Possible 92

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL ~ ASSOCIATION Of Grant Application V BAYAREAGOVERNMENTS

The San Francisco Bay Trail Project is soliciting grant applications for trail planning and construction projects that will complete gaps in the Bay Trail. Funding for this program is made possible by the State Coastal Conservancy.

Grant Program Basics: Local, State or federal government agencies, special districts and nonprofit organizations are eligible. The program favors construction of Bay Trail gaps, matching or in-kind contributions, innovative solutions and partnerships. Feasibility, design or technical studies that overcome obstacles to future trail development are also eligible. See www.baytrail.org for more information.

Note: The following are generally not eligible: a) trail projects required as part of a permit approval or as mitigation for another project, orb) permitting costs.

Applicant Information

Lead Agency Name Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development Address 255 Glacier Dr Martinez CA 94553 Contact Name/Title Colin Piethe Phone Number 925-674-7755 Fax number E-mail [email protected]

Project Information

Project Title Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail project Project Location Unincorporated Contra Costa County and City of Benicia Length of Trail Segment 18 miles of trail gaps Does project close gap? Y~e~s~--- State Senate District 3rd State Assembly District ~----14th Congressional District 5th Latitude/Longitude Project Partners City of Benicia, Contra Costa County, Bay Area Ridge Trail, San Francisco Bay Trail, Great Delta Trail, Bay Area Water Trail, Solano Trail Advocacy Group Proposed Start Date Proposed Completion Date Grant Request -~~-\'?:>3--. oo___ o Total Project Cost estimated_$_1-30-.-o-o-o~:t\~l(p()/1DO

Matching Contributions Amount ------Funding Source ------Amount ------Funding Source ------Amount ------Funding Source ------

In-kind Contributions (provide descriptions & values)

Local Plans that CCTA Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2018, Support Project 2005 Bay Trail Gap Analysis

San Francisco Bay Trail Grant Application Page 1 of 2

San Francisco Bay Trail – Grant Application Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development and Public Works Department 5/8/2019

Introduction The Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail (CSSLT) Gap Closure Study is a collaboration between Contra Costa County, the National Parks Service , Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, the City of Benicia, the Great California Delta Trail, San Francisco Bay Trail, San Francisco Water Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Project staff propose to hire a consultant to study opportunities and constraints to closing high-priority segments of 18 miles of trail gaps along the CSSLT. The study will be phased into three tasks:

1) Identify any “fatal flaws” related to closing existing identified gaps with bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Fatal flaws may include issues such as right-of-way, physical constraints, or financial constraints related to potential alignments. Staff will also consider ADA compliance and sea level rise forecasts. Bay Trail staff (MTC) and Ridge Trail have identified ten existing gaps throughout the CSSLT in the Contra Costa and Solano County sides of the loop. Pending the results of the fatal flaw analysis, the scope of the study will continue to either task 2A or 2B:

2A) Use the information gathered in the fatal flaw analysis to narrow the study’s focus to one or two (depending on task 1 results) high priority trail gaps in greater detail. With a better understanding of the opportunities and constraints related to these gaps, project partners will be able to prepare alignment alternatives and cost estimates needed to apply for project implementation funding.

2B) If the fatal flaw analysis identifies segments of the CSSLT trail alignment that may not be feasible or practical, task 2B includes a revisited study of potential trail alignments in order to identify an improved preferred alignment, focused upon developing a route with greater value and a more expeditious path towards implementation. This task may also include consideration of an interim option or an option for reduced design standard at appropriate locations where a fully ADA compliant trail may be highly constrained.

3) The final task will involve the preparation of outreach materials and an outreach plan to increase awareness about the study and to pursue funding for implementation or further study. Depending on the proposals for this effort, the publications produced from this effort may be restricted to those maps and exhibits prepared by the partner agencies.

Funding request, study schedule, environmental impact Project partners kindly request $133,000 to fund this study. If awarded the grant, work would likely begin in August 2019 (three months needed to complete the RFP process) and will be completed by December 31, 2020. We roughly estimate using 183 hours of staff time to implement the study, costing around $27,900. Per Section 15306 “Information Collection” in Chapter 3 of the CEQA Guidelines,1 this study is exempt from CEQA.

1 http://resources.ca.gov/ceqa/guidelines/art19.html Rationale The 2005 San Francisco Bay Trail Project Gap Analysis Study and 2018 maps of the CSSLT identify ten gaps in the CSSLT. Five are located at or near the North and South entrances of two interstate bridges: the Al Zampa Carquinez Bridge and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge (Interstate 680). These gaps discourage trail users from traveling across CSSLT bridges and from experiencing the full extent of the CSSLT. Closing gaps on Ridge Trail segments would connect trail users to areas such as Crockett Hills Regional Park, Fernandez Ranch, Pinole Valley Watershed, Franklin Ridge Ranches, Mount Wanda, the John Muir National Historic Site and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline and beyond. Closing trail gaps will also increase economic activity by encouraging more users to access the five historic downtown areas along the CSSLT: Benicia, Martinez, Port Costa, Crockett, and Vallejo. Promoting trail users’ access to these sites increase their exposure to local restaurants, cafes, and other retail sites, as well as shoreline destinations such as the Benicia State Recreation Area, Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park, and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline.

Implementing projects to close these gaps will create public health, economic, and social equity benefits. The 2005 The San Francisco Bay Trail Project Gap Analysis Study estimates that trail users will grow from 2.3 million annual users to 5.1 million annual users in 2026 due to increasing growth in population and tourism.2 Safe and convenient connections to recreation will increase the number of trail users who would’ve otherwise driven to parts of the CSSLT, reducing GHG emissions and improving public health outcomes due to increased rates of exercise. The health benefits of parks3 and of bicycling and walking are well documented by researchers (Pucher and Buehler, 2010).4

Identifying bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in the CSSLT will also serve disadvantaged communities. The CSSLT passes through MTC-designated “Communities of Concern” Crockett and Martinez. Communities of Concern are census tracts with a majority share of ethnic minorities, and with certain percentages of low-income and rent-burdened households, and other indicators of poverty. In particular, improving the quality of non-motorized infrastructure around the CSSLT will improve traffic safety and mobility outcomes for those who are walking, bicycling, or taking transit out of necessity.

Expected outcomes Staff anticipate that this study will deliver three key outcomes or deliverables: 1) A high-level understanding of barriers to closing trail gaps throughout the CSSLT that will make future grant applications more efficient and successful 2) Analyses of one or two (depending on Phase 2 results) gap closure projects that will identify a preferred alternative and will position staff to apply for near-term grant funding opportunities 3) Actionable information with which staff can create a new graphic identity for the trail’s wayfinding and informational signage and marketing materials

2 http://baytrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Final-Gap-Analysis-Study-2005-09-15-reduced.pdf 3 http://usahomepagewww.eastshorepark.org/HealthBenefitsReport_FINAL_010307.pdf 4 https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2009.189324